Epiphany swims are held throughout Serbia in rivers and lakes. The events are 33 meters in length due to the number of years Jesus lived on earth.
The event in Šabac (Богојављенско пливање за Часни крст) was first organized by Vojislav Mijić and the local swimming club, the Dolphins of Šabac in 2004 when 70 competitors participated. All the competitors have to pass physical and medical tests one hour before the race that is usually held in water and air temperature that is close to 0ºC (32ºF). Winners usually finish the race in 20 seconds or less. Professional divers, ambulances, and lifeguards are present at the events.
The Epiphany Swimming for the Holy Cross of Honour is held annually on January 19th in the Old City Beach in the River Sava in Šabac. The winner is the first one to touch the cross and gets to carry honorary title of knight for that year. It is one of the World’s Top 100 River Swims,
Epiphany swims is held on the day of the Epiphany in many Eastern Orthodox Christian countries. Orthodox Christians celebrate the religious holiday of Epiphany according to the Julian calendar on January 19th. Traditions differ across the Eastern Orthodox Christian countries of southern and eastern European countries, but swimmers dive for a cross at the bottom of the lake or river to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ.
© 2023 by Daily News of Open Water Swimming
“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“